La Festa Italiana taking place on Labor Day Weekend 2026 The 50th La Festa Italiana will be September 4-7 in downtown Scranton. Those who attend will be able to enjoy delicious Italian-inspired food from dozens of restaurants, as well as live entertainment. The annual Captain James R. Minicozzi memorial 5K race will be on Saturday, September 5 at 10:00 am., followed by a car show at 1:00 p.m. You can learn more about the 50th La Festa Italiana by clicking here, and see the full schedule of events below.
Celebrate 200 years of American railroading at Railfest 2026 Steamtown National Historic Site will celebrate the past, present and future of American railroading during Railfest 2026, taking place Sept. 4 to 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The park’s premier annual celebration features three days of historic train rides, visiting railroad equipment, locomotive shop demonstrations, exhibits, music, ranger programs, hands-on activities and displays from community and railroad partners. General admission to the park and Railfest is free. This year’s Railfest marks an extraordinary convergence of national and local milestones: the 200th anniversary of railroading in the United States, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the 110th anniversary of the National Park Service and the 40th anniversary of Steamtown’s enabling legislation. The celebration officially kicks off with an opening ceremony on Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m. “Railfest celebrates not only America’s railroad heritage but also the people, partnerships and communities that keep that history alive,” said Jeremy Komasz, superintendent of Steamtown National Historic Site. “Following an incredible summer that brought more than 111,000 visitors to Northeastern Pennsylvania for the Big Boy Reunion, we’re excited to build on that momentum and welcome visitors back to Scranton for another celebration of our shared history.” Steamtown’s 1929 Baldwin Locomotive Works No. 26 will take center stage with “No. 26 in ’26,” providing steam-powered Scranton Limited rides throughout the weekend. Visitors can also experience caboose hops, photo run-bys, maintenance-of-way equipment rides, Big Boy No. 4012 cab tours, model railroad layouts and demonstrations inside the park’s historic Locomotive Shop. Railfest will bring an impressive collection of visiting railroad equipment to Scranton, including the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad’s famed Nickel Plate Road PA No. 190 and a special commemorative locomotive from Norfolk Southern. Visitors can also see the public debut of a half-scale replica of Union Pacific No. 119, representing one of the locomotives present at the 1869 Golden Spike ceremony. The Union Pacific Railroad Museum’s traveling exhibit, All Set for the West, will also explore the historic relationship between America’s railroads and national parks. Throughout the weekend, dozens of railroad, cultural, historical, recreational, educational, civic, tourism and preservation organizations will participate in Railfest’s Community Partner Expo. Additional activities include railroad-themed musical performances, special walking tours, hands-on demonstrations and World War II-era military vehicle rides supporting restoration of Steamtown’s historic Troop Sleeper. Visitors can also participate in evening railroad photography opportunities in partnership with the Iron Horse Society and the park’s first “Life on the Railroad” Costume Contest on Sunday. General admission and parking at Steamtown National Historic Site are free. Fees apply for train rides and some special activities. Some advance train tickets will be available through Recreation.gov beginning Wednesday, August 26, with a limited number available for walk-up purchase during Railfest. For the complete Railfest schedule, ticket information, parking details, participating organizations and the latest event updates, click here. Programs, equipment, train rides and activities are subject to change.
The Wright Center to host September ‘Walk with a Doc’ events in Lackawanna County The Wright Center for Community Health is inviting people of all ages to lace up their sneakers and join a growing movement toward better health and stronger community connections with its monthly Walk with a Doc events. Led by local physicians and healthcare professionals, these community walks offer an easy, fun and social way to get moving while engaging in health-focused conversations. Participants enjoy light exercise, have the opportunity to ask health-related questions and connect with others in a relaxed, informal setting. The September Walk with a Doc in Jermyn will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m. at the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Walkers should gather at the Delaware Street Trailhead entrance. The Scranton Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m., also along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, with walkers meeting at the Olive Street entrance. These events are free and open to the public, welcoming individuals of all fitness levels. No pre-registration is required. For more information about The Wright Center for Community Health’s Walk with a Doc program, please contact Melissa Germano-Ryczak at germanom@TheWrightCenter.org.
Life Purposely Coaching hosting two events for women Life Purposely Coaching in Clarks Summit is hosting two events designed specifically for women in August and September 2026. The first is a free Masterclass titled “How Did I Get Here?” It will be held via Zoom on August 25th from 7:00-8:00 p.m. According to Life Purporsely owner Elizabeth Keiper, the session is for smart, capable women who feel disconnected from the lives they worked so hard to build and the steps they can take to change that course. You can register for that event by clicking here. The second event is called Life Purposely LIVE: Flourish and will take place on September 19th from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at a cafe in Factoryville. This in-person immersive experience will allow attendees to change how they experience the final months of 2026. The event is limited to 20 women. You can register for it by clicking here.
Three events coming up at Joy World Wealth Partners Joy World Wealth Partners is hosting three events in August and September 2026 at its location at 125 North Washington Avenue in Scranton. The first is “Move wth Intentional Joy,” a movement-based workshop to enhance overall well-being. The inclusive, energizing and supportive workshop on Wednesday, August 18 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm is designed for people of any fitness level. The drop-in rate for this workshop is $20 per person. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP to Joanna at (570) 507-9642. The second event is another “Move wth Intentional Joy” workshop. This one will be similar to the first and will take place on Wednesday, September 8 from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm. The drop-in rate for this workshop is $20 per person. Anyone interested in attending can RSVP to Joanna at (570) 507-9642. Finally, Joy World Wealth Partners is hosting “Comedy for a Cause wth Jennie Luby, Mary Rapach, Kathryn Viam & Erin Watts.” This event will take place on Thursday, September 24. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and the show will begin at 7:00 pm. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the spreadJOY Foundation. You can purchase tickets by clicking here.
Lexington Entertainment releases summer and fall performance schedule Doug Smith’s Music and Lexington Entertainment will take part in several performances from August through October 2026. You can find a full list of performances by going to the Lexington Entertainment Facebook page. Sunday, August 2 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Nay Aug Park in Scranton from 2:00-4:00 PM Wednesday, August 5 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Hillside Park in Clarks Summit from 6:00-8:00 PM Friday, August 7 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Doherty Park in Scranton from 6:30-8:30 PM (sponsored by Scranton Tomorrow) Saturday, August 8 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Waverly Wine Fest in Waverly. Admission is $5 per person Sunday, August 9 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford from 12:00-1:30 PM Thursday, August 13 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Peckville Library in Peckville from 5:30-6:30 PM Friday, August 15 – Doug Smith’s Jazz Quartet at Dennis Farm in Kingsley from 1:00-4:00 PM. RSVP required by emailing your name and phone number to dfcltforum@gmail.com Sunday, August 16 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Gouldsboro Train Station in Gouldsboro from 12:30-2:30 PM Sunday, August 23 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at the Pocono State Craft Festival in Stroudsburg from 1:30-4:30 PM Sunday, September 6 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Fiber Festival in Hawley. Admission is $10 per person and kids under 12 are free Saturday, October 3 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Scarecrow Festival at the Carbondale Library from 1:00-2:00 PM Sunday, October 11 – Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars at Cresco Station Museum in Cresco from 1:00-3:00 PM The Doug Smith Band will also play at the Skytop Lodge in Skytop from 8:00-10:00 PM on the following days: August 1, 15 & 29; September 5, 19 & 26; October 10 & 31; November 21 & 26; December 12 & 26
Scranton SBDC Webinars Gear Up for Financing: What Do I Need to Prepare? (Webinar) Wednesday, 9/21/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3ueM5mCM9 The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Session one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will help you evaluate: What knowledge you’ll needDecisions to considerHow timing and fit of loan to use come into play Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, planning for success should start early, and applying for capital requires documentation, often including financial projections and a business plan, and more. This session will also supply some insight into best practices on the financial side of your business and how the SBDC can help you.“What Do I Need to Prepare?” is the first in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will take place on Wednesday, September 28 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778 The First Step Express: Starting Your Business (Webinar)Thursday, 9/22/22 ● 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29703Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1XdWkJTD5 Have you always had a dream to start your own business, but aren’t sure where to begin? Attend our First Step Express webinar! A condensed version of our First Step: Starting Your Business seminar, this one-hour webinar will help aspiring entrepreneurs to begin the process of successful business ownership including a quick look at: Applications and licenses needed to start a business Different types of business structures (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.)Business plan basicsFinancing optionsSBDC Services available as you start your business All pre-venture clients are encouraged to attend this course or a similar program, or complete pre-venture materials to prepare for the engagement, prior to being assigned to a consultant for one-on-one assistance. How to Know if Your Business Idea Will Really Work (Webinar)Tuesday, 9/27/22 ● 10:00 am – 11:00 am Registration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29706Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2UpvPQlck You have an idea for a new business but are wondering where to start. Is the idea worth pursuing? How can you tell if it is or isn’t? This session will get you thinking about your motivation for starting a business by walking you through simple steps that will help you determine if the idea is feasible. Steps covered will include: Considering Your Business Ideas (What type of business do you want to start?)Assess Your Resources (How much will this endeavor cost, both financially and in time spent?)Review Industry Regulations (Every industry has them!)Define Your Target Market (Who are you going to sell to? Hint – it’s not everyone!)Identify Your Competitive Advantage (What do you have to offer that your competitors don’t?)Write a Business Plan (Yes, it is important!) Gear Up for Financing: What Are My Funding Options? (Webinar)Wednesday, 9/28/22 ● 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29778Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2c3AVgkPr The process of financing your small business will take time, good planning, decision-making, and even your money! Join us for this two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”, as we show you what is needed to prepare for financing and steps to take and what financing options are available to your small business. Now that you know what to gather and work on and know what lenders are looking for, it’s time to take a look at what financing options are available to your small business. Session two, “What Are My Funding Options?” will go over some opportunities, such as: Your own fundsFriends and familyBanks or credit unionsMicroloansFinance companiesAnd more Start-up and existing small business owners are welcome! “What Are My Funding Options?” is the second in the two-part series, “Gear Up for Financing”. Part one, “What Do I Need to Prepare?” will take place on Wednesday, September 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Registration for that session can be done here: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29777 Making the World Your Market: Considerations for Going Global (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 9:00 am – 10:00 amRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29702Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2R63TyLFK The world seems to be getting smaller. Doing business internationally is one strategy for business growth. Is it right for your business? Before companies decide to expand to other markets, they need to analyze and test the viability of those markets and develop an internationalization strategy that will contribute to their growth. Going global opens up many new opportunities and potential markets, as well as some potential hurdles. Learn the why, where, what, when, and how to bring your company into the international arena and more with presenter Douglas Harding, Senior Business Consultant and SBA-Certified Export & Trade Counselor, Duquesne University SBDC. Additional presenters will include: Deborah Langan, Senior International Business Manager, NEPA AllianceJoe Burke, Avoca Strategies (Export Experiences and Examples)Nasim Sadr-Fala, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service PhiladelphiaEdward A. Schick, Export Finance Manager – PA, DE and Southern OH, Office of International Trade, U.S. Small Business Administration There will also be time for questions and answers.The University of Scranton SBDC, Duquesne University SBDC, and the Pennsylvania SBDC are partnering with the U.S. Commercial Service in Philadelphia and SBA Export Financing to bring you this Pennsylvania Regional Exporting Network event. 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Keyword Research (Webinar)Thursday, 10/6/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29745Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Kh2ZodSW What is search engine optimization, or SEO? Often it’s about making slight modifications to terms used on your website to increase traffic from search engines like Google. Are you using vocabulary that is commonly known or too niche? Are you including your location? In this session, we will show you how to use the most effective keywords for your small business, how to use location-based terms to increase traffic, as well as some tools that will help you in this process. “Keyword Research” is part one in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Small Business Blogging (Webinar)Thursday, 10/13/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29746Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2fvan31u7 Why is blogging important to a small business? Search engines favor recent information, so regular blog updates increase the likelihood of your information being seen. We will discuss this blogging, how it can be done easily, and how to enrich your posts with keywords to get more traction. “Small Business Blogging” is part two in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Backlinking (Webinar)Thursday, 10/20/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29747Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/3yA2rHRIT What is backlinking? A backlink is a link that is created when one website links to another, for instance when your Google profile links to your small business website. The more sites that link to your page give your website relevance in search engines. In this session, we will discuss creating your brand online and the benefit of using the same information on all profiles, from social media to chambers of commerce to sites like Google and Yelp. “Backlinking” is part three in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/27: Measuring Results 30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization: Measuring Results (Webinar)Thursday, 10/27/22 ● 12:00 pm – 12:30 pmRegistration link: https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29749Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/1Sz4OOaGY You know what terms will get your website the most traction, your first blog post has been shared, and all of your profiles link back to your website. How do you know if this is all working? Are you actually getting more engagement on your website? In the fourth and final session of our search engine optimization series, we will give you the tools to measure these initiatives to show how it is paying off for your small business. “Measuring Results” is part four in the four-part “30 Minutes to Better Search Engine Optimization” series, designed to provide easy tips and tricks to increase traffic to your website. Register for additional sessions here: Thursday, 10/6: Keyword Research Thursday, 10/13: Small Business Blogging Thursday, 10/20: Backlinking
